About Us
Byron Center Charter School is a Public School Academy, which means a public school of choice. We are a legal, independent, innovative public school that operates with a charter contract to an authorized public body, Grand Valley State University.
Tuition Free
Byron Center Charter School is a public school of choice, there is no tuition. All teachers are certified by the State of Michigan.
Mission Statement
Empowering students to reach their greatest potential by emphasizing personal connections, academic excellence, and positive character values.
Empowering Students
Byron Center Charter School offers kindergarten through 12th grade at one location. Byron Center Charter School is committed to having a low student/teacher ratio. We believe a safer, more disciplined, and academically challenging environment can be achieved with smaller class sizes. Students are using computers for a variety of applications on a regular basis.
What is a charter school?
A charter school is a public school of choice, no tuition is charged. We are funded by the state on a per pupil basis, the same as other public schools.
The differences from a traditional public school are:
- Charter schools must be authorized by a governing body. This body then oversees the school as well as the state and federal bodies that govern all public schools. Byron Center Charter School (BCCS) is authorized by Grand Valley State University.
- Charter schools are allowed to limit class size. BCC Board of Education has limited our class size to 22 students per grade level.
- Charter schools do not have district boundaries, their district covers the entire state.
- Charter schools can select a focus, BCCS has chosen fundamental academics and character as its focus.
Points of Pride
BCCS demonstrates strength in Educational and Academic Performance
- Average NWEA Annual Growth National Ranking out-perform national averages
- Average State M-STEP Building Proficiency Rates Trends out-perform, county, state and like schools averages
- State average M-STEP Building Growth Rates out-perform county, state and like schools averages
- SAT (11th) and PSAT (9th and 10th) average scores are higher than state and national averages
- SAT total score trends out perform like schools in MI
BCCS Educational Environment emphasizes Personal Connections & development of Positive Character Traits
- Smaller Class Sizes (Student/Teacher Ratios 22 to 1 grades K-5 and 24 to 1 grades 6-12)
- Highly Qualified, dedicated and experienced staff
- School-wide focus on building positive character traits
- Monthly All-School Student Recognition and Award Assemblies
- School support for local community centers, and MI for Tourism
- Host multiple blood drives
- Community service hour requirement for graduation
BCCS provides full array of Education Programs and Services
- Award winning band programs (grades 5-12)
- K-5 Art, Music, and PE Provided
- Extra-curricular opportunities for secondary students (volleyball, ultimate frisbee, jazz band, MHSAA affiliated cross country)
- Academic and Career Counseling for secondary students
- Career Tech opportunities through Kent ISD
- Supplemental supports during day (K-6), extended day (7-12) and extended year (K-12)
- Dual Enrollment and College Credit Course Offerings
- Child Study and availability of comprehensive Special Education and 504 plans and services
BCCS has an engaged and participatory Educational Community
- Ongoing Collaboration with GVSU, Student and Staff Support Service Highly involved PTO Guest speakers and presenters from members within the school community
- Kids Hope Mentoring program and Hand2Hand food program
- College and career presentations and workshops for secondary students
- Ongoing visits to GVSU, Kent ISD and area career exploration events
- Variety of parent/community events (mother/son & father/daughter, band and music concerts,school carnival, annual walkathon, fundraisers, family literacy nights etc.)
- Ongoing volunteers by family and community members
- Active student council and student led-groups
